The Bench Events group has expanded its portfolio, adding the inaugural Central Asia and Turkey Hotel Investment Conference (CATHIC) to its roster from 2011.

Along with co-organisers Questex Media Group, Bench Events will host the event at the InterContinental Istanbul from February 7th next year.

The event joins the established International Hotel Investment Forum, Russia & CIS Hotel Investment Conference and Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, on the Bench calendar.

“This launch event will be an ideal platform for hotel investors, developers, operators and advisors to meet and to learn about investment opportunities in the region,” said conference host, Jonathan Worsley of Bench Events.

“We are already attracting a great deal of interest and the event will be a perfect bridge between both Central Asia and Europe and investors seeking exposure in this part of the world.”

Turkish Delight

According to the Turkish Tourism Investors Association, the number of hotel rooms on offer in the country has increased by 67 per cent over the last ten years.

Furthermore, by the year 2015 it is expected the total number of establishments will increase by a further 40 per cent to reach 370,000 rooms.

“With such growth expected, now is the time to get involved,” added co-host Antony D’Avino at Questex.

“CATHIC offers a fantastic opportunity to meet key industry figures and discover new investment opportunities in Central Asia and Turkey.”

Hotel companies are taking an interest in developing their portfolio of brands throughout Turkey which is considered to be the gateway to Europe and Central Asia, argue Bench Events.

Countries covered by CATHIC include: Turkey; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Georgia; Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan; Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Head over to CATHIC for more information.